Resources

These resources may be helpful to individuals who are interested in serving as a merit badge counselor. These items are available through your local council service center or on the Web at www.scoutstuff.org.

A Guide for Merit Badge Counseling, No. 34532C

This tri-fold flier gives a well-rounded explanation about the merit badge program and spells out the counselor's responsibilities.

Merit Badge Counselor Orientation, No. 34542

Merit badge counselors in training can use this two-page resource as a quick reference.

Boy Scout Requirements (current year), No. 33215

This is the book for complete, official requirements for each merit badge, rank advancement, and special awards and recognitions. This booklet is revised every year and takes precedence over any other resource regarding rank and merit badge requirements.

Scoutmaster Handbook, No. 33009C

This resource serves as the Scoutmaster's primary guide and contains a helpful section about advancement, including the merit badge program. (See the "Advancement" chapter.)

Boy Scout Handbook, No. 33105

This is the Boy Scout's most vital source of information and encompasses all facets of Scouting, including a chapter on merit badges.

Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124ABetter known as the "blue card," this blue wallet-sized card shows that the Scout has permission to start working on a particular merit badge, records his progress, and, when completed, provides a separate record for the Scout, the counselor, and the unit.

Merit Badge Counselor Information, No. 34405

Local councils use the information from this form to identify merit badge counselors, the merit badges they are willing to coach, and other pertinent information. This form also includes the merit badge counselor's agreement to follow the merit badge requirements, and other BSA policies. This form, available online in PDF format (click here), should be submitted to the BSA local council along with the Adult Application.

Advancement Committee Guide Policies and Procedures, No. 33088D

This handbook is the bible for Scouters who are responsible for advancement at the council, district, and unit levels. The book contains the current BSA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, as well as other information pertinent to Boy Scout advancement. It is updated periodically.

Adult Application (to Be a Scouting Volunteer), No. 28-501C

To serve as a merit badge counselor, an individual must complete and return this adult registration form. The Adult Application is valid for one year only and must be renewed annually. To register as a merit badge counselor, mark the box labeled "Council/district position" in the upper right-hand block with "merit badge counselor." Fill in the "Position Code" with code "42," and fill in the "Position (Description)" with "merit badge counselor." This application also is available in Spanish (No. 28-502Q).

Supplemental Training: Merit Badge Counselor Instructors GuideThis module, which may be reveiwed online or used to conduct a training event, is designed to guide new and potential merit badge counselors through their responsibilities in the role and will give them an understanding of the methods of counseling Scouts. It is intended as a short orientation course for new merit badge counselors before they begin working with Scouts.